H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system

ABSTRACT

This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected o the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust. The modules are mounted on aluminum carts with retractable handles, pneumatic or shock absorbing casters and pneumatic tires for ease of movement.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/290,540 filed on Aug.15, 1994, now U.S. Pat No. 5,724,701.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to H.V.A.C. systems and in particular to a systemfor cleaning H.V.A.C. ducts. It is common knowledge that after ductshave been in use for a number of years, they accumulate dirt, dust, andvarious other contaminants which could be harmful to the individualsbreathing the air from such ducts. Many ducts are never cleaned andothers are cleaned quite infrequently be antiquated methods. The "sick"building syndrome is receiving considerable attention and the governmentis considering drafting clean air standards for buildings. Indoor airhas been found to be up to seventy times more polluted than outdoor airaccording to the EPA. Also, 50% of all illnesses are caused oraggravated by polluted indoor air as reported by the American College ofAllergists. A dirty heating, ventilation and air conditioning system isa prime cause of indoor air problems.

Various apparatus do exist for scraping and vacuuming ducts by noparticular system has received widespread acceptance. Most ducts atenever cleaned, particularly in households and even where an attempt ismade at cleaning, the job is slow, laborious and expensive. In contrast,the present invention proposes a portable system which can be wheeledinto position, assembled and put into use in both a commercial and aresidential environment. This new system cleans ductwork, moreefficiently and at lower cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to duct cleaning systems and more particularly toa new and improved system for cleaning H.V.A.C. ducts using a pluralityof portable modules. The modules include a first unit or master modulehaving a primary filter mounted therein which is coupled to the ductworkand removable through a breech view door when it is necessary to changefilters. The module also includes a control panel when a 3 phase motoris used to power a blower and no control panel in the embodiment where atube axial blower is used.

The primary filter is coupled to a filter module which contains a seriesof electrostatic filters and v cell filters which can be changed asdesired to control the efficiency of filtration. The outlet of thefilter module is connected through tapered ducting to a blower unitwhich provides a pressurized exhaust from a blow tip.

The debris in the system is dislodged by an air gun which is connectedto 5 foot lengths of plastic tubing having quick connect couplings atthe ends thereof so that any particular length of tubing can beconnected with various air heads mounted at the forward end to dislodgedebris by means of compressed air. A ductwork illuminator comprising ifa chemically reactive ring may be mounted about the tubing at intervalsto permit viewing of the internal duct work.

The system may also include a duct resonator to enhance cleaning of theducts by disrupting the air flow in the system. During normal operation,the lengths of plastic tubing are removed from a unique caddyarrangement and coupled together with quick connect couplings. Theforward tubing is connected to one of the aforementioned air heads andwhen activated by compressed air, dislodges debris form all interiorsurfaces of the duct work, which is exhausted into the primary filterand then the filter module. To more efficiently clean the ducts, a ventvac cover is designed to seal any open ducts by magnetically attachingto the duct outlet and a duct bladder is used to seal off various ducts.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new andimproved system cleaning ducts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mobile system forcleaning H.V.A.C. ducts in an expeditious and inexpensive manner.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedH.V.A.C. duct cleaning system wherein portable modules are coupledtogether to filter the debris dislodged in the system by various airheads mounted on the forward coupled strips of tubing.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new andimproved system for cleaning H.V.A.C. ducts which includes a pluralityof modules each mounted on a special cart which are coupled together toprovide a filtering arrangement and a blower for the debris dislodgedwithin the ductwork by various air heads mounted on the forward end ofcoupled strips of tubing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objects and advantages of this invention may be moreclearly seen when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system whichincludes a tube axial blower controlled by a variable frequency drivewith filtration in a primary filter module leading to a main filtermodule and other components.

FIG. 2 shows a duct cleaning system with a tube axial blower controlledby a variable frequency drive with filtration by a master filter moduleand other components.

FIG. 3 shows a duct cleaning system with a centrifugal blower controlledby a variable frequency drive housed within the master module andfiltration by a master module and main filter module and othercomponents.

FIG. 4 shows a filtration by primary filter module and main filtermodule and other components.

FIG. 5 shows a centrifugal blower controlled by variable frequency drivewith filtration by a master filter module and other components.

FIG. 6-9 shows a tube axial blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive. In FIG. 6, filtration is by a primary filter cabinet and mainfilter module, and other components are shown, while FIG. 7 shows viewsof the caddy including the tube lengths with couplings at the end isthereof and shows a particulate arrestance bag and other components.FIG. 8 shows a primary filter module and main filter module with anexhaust chute attached to an exhaust director.

FIG. 10 shows a centrifugal blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive housed inside a master module and filtration by a master filter bya master filter module and main filter module;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12a shows a centrifugal blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive;

FIG. 12b is an end view o the centrifugal blower;

FIG. 12c shows a side view of an exhaust chute;

FIG. 13a depicts a centrifugal blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive with the filtration by a master filter module;

FIG. 13b shows an end view of the centrifugal blower with FIG. 13cshowing an exhaust chute;

FIG. 14 shows a tube axial blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive with filtration by a primary filter cabinet and a main filtermodule;

FIG. 15 discloses a tube axial blower controlled by a variable frequencydrive with filtration by a primary filter cabinet and a particulatearrestance bag attached to an exhaust director;

FIG. 16 shows a residential tube axial blower system and primary filtercabinet in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 17a-f show various views of the primary filter cabinet and thevarious latching means attaching the unit to the cart; the breech viewdoor in FIG. 17b; the gasketed end adjacent the tube axial blower inFIG. 17c; FIG. 17d depicts the primary filter bag mounted within thefilter; and, FIG. 17f show the filter cabinet before mounting on thecart;

FIG. 18a-d show the tube axial blower with pressurized exhaust mountedto the cart with FIG. 18a depicting a front view; FIG. 18b a view fromthe left side and FIG. 18c a view from the right side; and, FIG. 18ddepicted the blower in a rear view;

FIGS. 19A-1-19A-5 depict the residential tube axial blower mounted on acart depicting respectively front 19(A-3), rear (19A-1), top (19A-2),and side (19A-4 and 19A-5) of the system;

FIG. 19A-6 depicts the main filter module equipped with companionflanged rings use with residential tube axial blower system;

FIG. 19B depicts the main filter module equipped with flanged rings foruse with residential tube axial blower system;

FIG. 19B-1 and 19B-2 depict front and side view of the fastening pins;

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C disclose the commercial tube axial blowerequipped with a pressurized exhaust and mounted on a cart;

FIG. 20A depicts a left side view and 20B depicts a right side view withFIG. 20C depicting the front view of the cart;

FIGS. 21a-f disclose the various views of the V-cell filters;

FIGS. 21g and h disclose the electrostatic filters and FIGS. 21i and jshow the filter bag;

FIG. 22 discloses the filter sequence in the main filter module in afront view;

FIG. 23 discloses a filter sequence to the main filter module in a sideview;

FIGS. 24a-c and 24e-g disclose a view of the main filter module withfiltration in various views thereof;

FIG. 25A is a view of the filter sequence in the master filter module ina side view;

FIGS. 25B-1, 25B-2, 25B-3, 25B-4 and 25B-5 show front, rear and sideviews of the master filter module including operation of the breech viewdoor;

FIG. 25C shows and exploded view of the primary filter module with thefilter bag;

FIGS. 25D-1, 25D-2, 25D-3- 25D-4 and 25D-5 show various view of theprimary filter module including a view showing the operation of thebreech view door;

FIG. 25E is a view of the master module in an exploded view showingfiltration;

FIG. 25F-1, 25F-2, 25F-3, 25F4 and 25F-5 show various views of themaster module showing the operation of the breech view door;

FIG. 25G-1 shows a front view of the master module with the control dashboard and FIG. 25G-2 shows a rear view of the apparatus;

FIGS. 25H-1, 25H-2 and 25H-3 show the centrifugal blower equipped withthe pressurized exhaust in a front and side views;

FIG. 26a-c discloses respectively front, rear and side views of thebreech view door;

FIGS. 27a and b show a tube axial blower within an adjustabletransvector blow tip, while FIGS. 27c and d discloses a tube axialblower with a preset compressed air amplifier;

FIG. 28 depicts the retractable glass door mounted in a trailer inoperation;

FIG. 29 is a view of a tube axial blower mounted hydraulic lift platformwithin a truck;

FIG. 29a is a tube axial blower mounted within a truck with a hydraulicplatform in operation with system operating;

FIGS. 30a-c show the front, rear and side views of plenum plate;

FIGS. 31a, b and c show the front, rear and side views of the exhaustplenum plate;

FIGS. 32a and b depict respectively a front and side view of the plenumreducer;

FIGS. 33a and 33b depict front and side views of a ducting T;

FIGS. 34-40B show views of connections of ovalized ducting to the plenumplate, the plenum reducer, ovalized ducting tube, ovalized ducting tothe breech view door and various connections made with tape ducting andtransitional ducting between modules;

FIGS. 41a-e depict respectively front and end views of transitionalducting with FIG. 41c and e representing the end couplings;

FIG. 42a-d depicts respectively the front, end view and side view of thedirector;

FIGS. 43a and b comprise end and side views of the manifold protector;

FIG. 44a discloses the quick connect in an assembled condition; 44b isan end view of the quick connect and FIG. 44c is a view of the quickconnect in a disassembled condition;

FIGS. 45a-c disclose respectively front and side views of the commercialair hose caddy;

FIGS. 46a discloses the residential air hose caddy with 46b showing theair heads mounted within the caddy and FIG. 46c discloses the variousair heads which may by used to clean the duct work;

FIG. 47 discloses an array of various air heads in a duct with accessholes cut to allow entry in a broken away view;

FIG. 48a discloses a front view of the duct resonator;

FIG. 48b and c depict side views; and FIG. 48d depicts a rear view;

FIG. 49a is a view of the duct bladder in a side position and 49b is atop view of the duct bladder;

FIG. 50 depicts the duct bladder in a cut-away view being inflatedwithin a duct;

FIG. 51a is a view of the exchanger mattress from a side and FIG. 51b isa front perspective view.

FIG. 52a is a front view of the vent vac cover;

FIG. 52b is a rear view and 52c is a side view;

FIG. 53a discloses an assembly of duct lights on an airhose in a sideview with

FIG. 53b disclosing the holder mounted about the airhose and

FIG. 53c representing an end view of the assembly;

FIG. 53d shows a single duct light;

FIG. 53e an end view;

FIG. 53f shows the assembly holder in a side view and

FIG. 53g shows an end view of the holder; and,

FIG. 54a-c show respectively a top, side and end view of the tire trap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show various embodiments of theentire system and components of the H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system. Thesystem is one embodiment includes a master or control module 10, afilter module 20 and a blower 30. The master module 10 customarilyincludes a control panel 11 which contains the controls the blower 30 sothat the pressure within the ductwork 12 can be regulated. See FIGS.25G-1-2. A separate control panel 75 may also ne used. The controlsinclude a variable frequency drive regulator regulating the variablefrequency drive 15, pressure meter, a pressure warning light and afilter meter monitoring the hours the various filters 13 and filtermodule 20 have been in operation. The electronic controls may also belocated in the compartment 14 and be accessible through doors 16. Thethree (3) phase power outlet 17 is connected to the blower outlet 18 bya conductor 76 when the system is in operation. The 220 volt power driveautomatically converts single phase power to three phase power to powera backwardly inclined 3 HP up to a 10 HP blower 30.

As shown in FIG. 17a-f, the master module 10 also includes a primaryfilter 13 which catches the majority of the debris flowing from theductwork 12. A removable filter bag 17 is located behind the breech viewdoor 19 so that the debris may be readily removed.

The filter bag 74 is removable, as shown in FIG. 25C through the breechview door 19. As shown in FIGS. 26a-c, the breech view door 19 comprisesa substantially square Lexan base 21 in stainless steel frame 22. Acentral aperture 23 in the base 21 is surrounded by a rolled steel oraluminum angle flange 24 secured to the base 21 by bolts 26. The inletaperture 23 also includes a 2 inch wide neoprene gasket 27 to provide asecure seal to the flexible ducting 28. The filter particulate (notshown) is either pushed or pulled through the ductwork 12 and then theflexible ducting 28 into the filter 13 while the breech view door 19permits visual monitoring of debris buildup without having to interruptthe operation.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-7, the master module 10 as well as modules 20and 30 are mounted on mobile aluminum carts 29. The carts 29 areapproximately 40 inches long by 24 inches wide by 34-44 inches high. Thecarts 29 include shock absorbing pneumatic casters 31 in the forwardposition and pneumatic tires 32 in the rear position. To move the moduleunit 10, 20 or 30, the particular unit is tilted holding retractablehandles 78 so that the weight is on the tires 32. To prevent damage tofloors the tires may be covered with wheel covers 33.

The master module 10 is connected to the filter module 20 with ducting34 running from the 20 inch outlet ring 36 to the 20 inch inlet ring 37.The ducting 34 is secured to the rings 36 and 37 by a working T-handle39 which tightens the strapping 41 about the rings 36 and 37. Thisarrangement is more clearly shown in FIGS. 36A-40B.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 filter module 20 comprises a double seriesof electrostatic filters 43 and 44 and V cell filters 42 with the firstseries 43 facing the inlet stream and the second series facing rearwardall mounted within the container 46. As shown in FIG. 1, container 46has a removable top 47 with grooved end portions 48 which engage matingportions 49 on the edge of the container 46. The top 47 is periodicallyremoved so that the various filter cells 42 can be changed to controlthe degree of filtration.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8-13a, the 20 inch outlet ring 51 of thefilter module is connected to the inlet ring 52 of the blower 30 bytapered ducting 53. Stationary T-handles 39 are used shoving the ends ofthe tapered ducting onto the respective rings 51 and 52. As discussedpreviously, working T-handles 39 are used to tighten the straps 56.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, 6-9, 25H1-3 and 27A-D, the blower module 30 maycomprise a typical centrifugal blower fan 30 connected to a blower motor40 in housing 57. The exhaust port 58 includes a blow tip 59 to providea pressurized exhaust from the air hose 61 when the unit is operating.

Alternatively, the control panel 11 with its associated controls may beeliminated in the master module 10 and a tube axial blower 30 could beused. As shown in FIGS. 13a-c, 18 and 19A1-A5, in the tube axial blower30, the controls 62 are located within a remote cabinet connected to thetube axial blower by means of a four (4) wire cable 76 from a variablefrequency drive 15. The cart 29 would include tires 64A and 64B in thecase. The exhaust ring 65 would include a transvector blow tip 59 toprovide a pressurized exhaust. Bulkheads 67 extend upwardly from thebase 68 to hold the blower 60 in place.

As shown in FIGS. 25-H-1 and 27A-C, pressurized exhaust is provided byblow tip 59 which is connected to a downwardly extending pipe 69 in theexhaust port 58. The ports 58 are connected to the air hose 72 leadingto an air compressor 70. The blow tip 59 is selected to match theoptimum CFM and PSI output of the air compressor system. The pressurizedexhaust helps to create a negative pressure within the ductwork 12 whichhelps to draw debris outwardly into the filters 13 and 42. As shown inFIG. 7, the exhaust may be directed into a particulate arrestance bag 73which cuts down on the velocity of the exhaust and the noise associatedtherewith and provides for filtration when the main filter module is notused.

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings the inventioncomprises a blower 30 which may be a centrifugal blower fan or a tubeaxial blower controlled by a variable frequency drive 63. Air isevacuated from a H.V.A.C. System at one location through a plenum plate79 or plenum reducer plate 80 on the feed side or return side, or airmay be evacuated from two separate locations either on the feed side orreturn side or on the feed and the return side separately by use of theducting T.

Exhaust from the blower 30 may be exhausted out the exhaust port 58 heldsecure by an exhaust plenum plate 81 into open space within a buildingor outside the structure; or the exhaust may be redirected back into thefeed or return branch of the H.V.A.C. system by means of the exhaustport 58 attached to an exhaust plenum plate 81.

Compressed air is furnished by a commercially available air compressor70 so that debris accumulated in all branches of an H.V.A.C. system maybe efficiently dislodged and removed. A main air line 83 runs from thecompressor 70 to a commercially available compressed air manifold 84equipped with a manifold protector 85 that protects all flooringsurfaces from damage by keeping commercially available metal quickconnects 86 attached to the manifold 84 suspended off the ground whilework progresses. This is shown in FIGS. 43a-b. The compressed air isthen split three ways by means of smaller diameter compressed air lines87, 88, 89. The smaller compressed air lines are connected with noscratch quick connects 90 so that work may progress with no resultingdamage to floors, woodwork, or furniture. As shown in FIGS. 44a-c thequick connects 90 include a male 91 and a female 92 member which snaptogether. The male member 91 has a protruding element 93 with recesses94 which engage portions of the female member 92 within aperture 95. Themembers 91 and 92 each include protruding members 96 at either other endwith inclined portions 97 to engage an airhose aperture.

The compressed air in line 89 operates the pressurized exhaust on allblowers used in the mobile filtrated air moving system described herein.The remaining two lines 87, 88 feed two commercially available air guns99, 101. The air guns 99, 101 then connect to various five foot lengthsof lightweight plastic tubing 102. Each five foot length connects to oneanother by means of male/female commercially available lightweightplastic quick connects 103. Depending on the length of runs of variousducting within a structure, any number of lengths of five foot plastictubes can be attached together quickly to obtain the desired length ofair conduit to power the different array of air heads 104 to effect thecleaning of the air duct interiors. FIG. 46 shows a variety of air heads104. A vector tip 105, forward air sweep 106, reverse air sweep 107 andspin air whip 108 can be quickly attached to the lead five foot lengthdepending on the particular cleaning operation desired at the time.

The five foot lengths making up one air conduit with a desired air head104 is inserted into any particular air duct 12 through an availableregister 109 or pre-cut access hole 110. With the latter, the pre-cutaccess hole 110 is then plugged with a commercially available pre-sizedplastic cap to return the H.V.A.C. system's air handling the H.V.A.C.integrity. As work proceeds using the above mentioned compressed airtools, the debris that this dislodged from the interior surfaces of theH.V.A.C. air duct system is then entrained in the vigorous air streamcreated by the various mobile filtrated air moving system describedherein.

Each of the various mobile filtrated air moving systems described hereinentrap the removed debris by a series of filtering devices. To allow foreasy debris removal from each of the mobile filtrated air movingsystems, as shown in FIGS. 17d, 25A, C and E, a twenty four inch bytwenty four inch square by twenty inch deep primary filter bag 74 isprovided which collects the majority of the large debris and particulatewhich has been removed from the H.V.A.C. system.

The primary filter bag 74 depending on construction can provide 40% to60% efficiency of particulate entrapment. When exhausting inside astructure and recontamination of the interior spaces is to be avoided,an additional series of twenty four inch by twenty four inch by threequarter inch deep or one and three quarter inch deep electrostaticfilters 43 can be placed inside the main filter module 20 or masterfilter module 10 along with a series of V cell filters 42. See FIGS. 21,22, 23 and 25A. Depending upon the efficiency requirement of the exhaustjob, the electrostatic 43 and V cell filters 42 can be arranged to allowfor exhaust efficiency as height as 99.97% which is classified asH.E.P.A. (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance). The placement of thefinal V cell in the main filter module 20 or the master filter module 10will determine the ultimate efficiency desired.

The variable frequency drive that converts and controls power to thevarious blowers 30 described herein allows the operator to convertsingle phase power into three phase power automatically as all blowers30 are equipped with three phase motors. If three phase power isavailable to the operator, both variable drives pictured herein willtransfer it directly through to the three phase blower motorsautomatically. The variable frequency drives enable the operator to alsocontrol the C.F.M. rate of air being evacuated from any particularH.V.A.C. air duct system to optimize the cleaning operation but at thesame time to protect the H.V.A.C. system from damage by possiblycreating more air flow than the system can safely handle.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, and in greater detail in 45a-c and 46a-c,additional elements of the system are a commercial air hose caddy 111and a residential air hose caddy 112. These devices neatly store andarrange all air hoses 101 in five foot lengths, air guns 101 and airheads 104 for convenient use. A residential air hose caddy with acarrying case 113 is also illustrated. The case 113 includes a pivotallid 114 and a carrying strap 115 and handle 116. The residential case113 is shown in FIG. 46a-c with hoses 101 having a plurality ofdifferent heads 104.

The commercial unit 111 includes an array of cylindrical elements 117 ina unitary support structure 118 on a care 119 having storage for toolsand air guns 101.

To aid in cleaning the actual air ducts 12 an inflatable air ductbladder 120, as shown in FIGS. 1-7 and is provided to enable theoperator to internally "zone off" desired areas of the H.V.A.C. air ductsystem to increase the air flow that the mobile filtrated air movingsystems described herein create. The air duct bladder 120 is insertedthrough a pre-cut access hole 110 or an existing register 109 andinflated through valve 121, by compressed air, see FIG. 49. When nolonger required, it can be deflated, removed and the pre-cut access holeis then plugged.

As shown in FIG. 1-7 and FIG. 52a-c, to also aid in increasing airflow,a vent vac cover 126 which is magnetized on one side with a commerciallyavailable sheet magnet 122 may be readily placed over steel registers109 at various points by utilizing the convenient handle 127. The cover121 also prevents debris from existing from the register 109.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 48a-b, duct resonators 124 may be placedat various locations directly adjacent to registers. These devices 124operate by means of electric motors that alternatively open and close aseries of louvers 125. The louvers 125 open and close at various speedsand sequences and disrupt air flow inside the H.V.A.C. system's ductwork aiding in the debris removal process mentioned above.

As shown in FIGS. 1-and 51a-d, to protect heat exchanges from collectingdebris removed form other parts of an H.V.A.C. air duct system, anexchanger mattress 136 can be placed adjacent to the exchanger. Themattress 136 is made of rugged, heavy duty tear and rip resistant fabricdivided into sewn pockets 171 which contain crushed pea gravel. Themattress permits a substantial weighted and reusable mattress to seatoff heat exchangers in the H.V.A.C. systems. Duct cleaning can thus beattempted without "puff-back" or movement of debris into feeds orreturns.

As shown in FIGS. 53a-g, to assist in illuminating the interior of theair ducts 12 of an H.V.A.C. system and to permit more efficient work andinspection, a series of duct lights 128 may be installed on various fivefoot length of the plastic tubes 102. This device comprises a series ofcommercially available light sticks 128 mounted on hoses 102 which whenactivated by snapping, emit a safe but bright chemically producted lightsource. As shown in FIGS. 53a-g, the light sticks are mountedcircumferentially in a frame 129.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, to provide stability for the mobile filtrated airmoving systems described herein, a tire trap 131 conveniently preventsequipment modules from rolling around or moving when in operation orwhile in transit in a truck or a trailer.

The purpose of the duct resonator 124 invention is to easily disrupt airflow in any H.V.A.C. system to enhance cleaning of air ducts 12 withcommercially available air tools. Air flow is typically created withcommercially available mobile air handling equipment that has somedegree of filtration. Disrupting a constant air flow intermittentlycreates for a very desirable bursts of suction and release that speedsup "source removal", the generally accepted term for particulate anddebris removal from an H.V.A.C. system. The purpose of another featureof the invention shown in FIGS. 1-6, 8-10, 14 and 15 is an exhaustsleeve 132 to direct exhaust from a commercially available blower 30.The exhaust sleeve 132 connected to the exhaust outlet 58. An exhaustsleeve typically is made from a lightweight material stitched in acircular shape of various diameters and lengths. An "exhaust director"133 controls the direction of the exhaust at the end of the exhaustsleeve and more importantly, keeps the open end from snapping back andforth due to height speed air flow escaping the end.

In the invention, FIG. 2, shows the system of FIG. 1 but with a tubeaxial blower 30 controlled by a variable frequency drive. The filtermodule 20 is included within module 10.

FIG. 3 shows the invention with a centrifugal blower 30 controlled by avariable frequency drive housed within the master module 10. Thefiltration includes a master module 10 and main filter module 20.

FIG. 4 shows the invention with a centrifugal blower 30 controlled by avariable frequency drive 15. The filtration includes a primary filtermodule 20 and a master module 10. On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows acentrifugal blower 30 controlled by a variable frequency drive withfiltration by a master filter module 10.

In FIG. 6 a tube axial blower 30 is shown controlled by a variablefrequency drive. Filtration is by a primary filter cabinet 20 and mastermodule 10. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7 a tube axialblower 30 is controlled by a variable frequency drive 15, but thefiltration is by a master module 10 and particulate arrestance bag 73.This is the only system not exhausting back into H.V.A.C. system.

FIG. 8 and 9 show further embodiments of the tube axial blower 30controlled by variable frequency drive. Filtration in FIG. 8, is by aprimary filter module 10 and main filter module 20. The exhaust chute132 is attached to an exhaust director 133. In FIG. 9, filtration is bya master filter module and an exhaust chute 132 attached to an exhaustdirector 133.

FIGS. 10-13 depict a centrifugal blower 30 controlled by a variablefrequency drive. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the drive is housed inside a mastermodule 10 and filtration is by a master filter module 10 and main filtermodule 20. An exhaust chute 132 is attached to an exhaust director 133.

In FIG. 12, filtration is by a primary filter module 10 and main filtermodule 20. The exhaust chute 132 is attached to an exhaust director 133.

Filtration in FIG. 15 is by master module 10 and particulate arrestancebag 73. The exhaust chute 132 is attached to an exhaust director 133 anda particulate arrestance bag 73 is also attached to an exhaust director133.

FIG. 16 illustrates a residential tube axial blower system with mastermodule 10. This view shows how the blower 30 and master module 10unlatch from the cart 29. Since residential work and some commerciallocations offer very tight working conditions, and the units ability tobe disassembled provides the operator maximum opportunity to "breakdown" the unit and move each of the components individually to thedesired work area to be quickly reassembled for operation.

Views of the master module 10 in FIG. 17 show the various latching means145 in FIG. 17a (FIG. 17b) to attach the unit 10 to a cart 29. Thebreech view door 19, the gasketed end 146 (FIG. 17c) that attaches tothe tube axial blower 30 and a side view cut away showing placement ofthe primary filter bag 74 within the master module 10. The view alsodepicts in FIG. 17e, the breech view door 19 attaching to the mastermodule 10 and the master module 10 attaching to the cart 29.

FIG. 18a, b, and c show left, front and rear views of the tube axialblower equipped with pressurized exhaust attaching to the cart 29.

FIG. 19A-1-19A-5 are views of the residential tube axial blower system.The tube axial blower 30 equipped with pressurized exhaust is latchedsecurely to the on the cart 29 and is then latched securely to themaster module 10 creating an air tight seal due to compression of thegasketed end of the master module 10 creating an air tight seal due tocompression of the gasketed end of the master module 10. The caster 147attached to the end plate 148 of the tube axial blower 30 permit tippingthe entire unit on end to allow for turning when in very tight quarters.

The main filter module 20 as shown in FIG. 19A-6 is equipped withcompanion flanged rings 149 for use with the residential tube axialblower system.

In FIG. 19B-1, this configuration is obtained by removing thecompression gaskets from the stationary flanged rings 151, 152 which arewelded on each end of the module and sliding on sized rings 154 over thestationary rings with the flanges projecting outwardly. Commerciallyavailable fastening pins 153 are then slid into pre-punched holes on thetop and bottom to hold the rings securely. This configuration permitsexhaust chutes to be strapped onto each ring 151, 152 using the outsideflange 151, 1552 as its anchor to prevent slipping off during operation.

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C represent various views of the commercial tubeaxial blower equipped with pressurized exhaust residential variablefrequency drive, and commercial variable frequency drive. While views ofV cell filters 42 three quarters of an inch to one and three quarters ofan inch to one and three quarters of an inch electrostatic filter 43 andprimary filter bag 74 are shown in FIG. 21a-e.

FIGS. 22-25g show various views of the master module 10 or the mainfilter module 20 showing filtration in some instances. The operation ofthe breech view door 19 is also shown while FIG. 25H-1, 25H-2, and 25H-3emphasize the centrifugal blowers 30 equipped with pressurized exhaust.

Referring to FIGS. 26a-c, breech view door 19 is the initial entry pointof all the mobile filtrated air moving systems described herein andpermits instant viewing of the primary filter bag 74 while systems arein operation to monitor debris buildup. The operator may then changebags 74 periodically as warranted. A precision machined plate of 1/2inch Lexan 21 is installed inside the stainless steel outside frame 22.A gasketed ring 27 is then blotted on the Lexan "window".

FIGS. 27A-D show views of blower 30 including tube axial and centrifugalblowers equipped with pressurized exhaust.

Two commercially available air nozzles are pictured in FIGS. 27A-D. Oneis an adjustable transvector blow tip 59 and the other is a pre-setcompressed air amplifier 59a. The purpose of pressurized exhaust is twofold. Firstly, by feeding a constant supply of compressed air out of themouth of any of the blowers 30 connected to the systems mentioned hereinthrough one of the air nozzles, a rapidly moving air channel is"punched" into surrounding ambient air. This permits the exhaust createdby the blower 30 to travel more freely and with less static resistancethus allowing the blower 30 to operate more efficiently. Secondly, whenthe blower exhaust is equipped with an exhaust chute 133, the compressedair acts to inflate the chute 133 to allow exhaust to travel unhindered.This action provides optimum efficiency of the blower and thereby theentire system.

The retractable blast door 158 is shown in FIG. 28 installed on anycommercially available truck or trailer 159 with any of the mobilefiltrated air moving systems mentioned herein equipped with centrifugalblowers 30 operating inside a truck or trailer 159. When in operation,the door 158 is lowered by means of cables. The cable lengths arepre-determined to achieve the desired angle of the blast door of 25degrees to the ground. At the tip of the blast door 158 is a triangularwedge that runs across the entire width of the blast door 158 whichprovides a surface of 42.5 degrees to the ground . As the systemoperates and exhaust is directed in the direction of the arrows 160 outthe side of the truck or trailer, the exhaust hits the blast doordeflecting up to 25 degrees and then to 42.5 degrees as it leaves theend of the tip. This arrangement permits safe operation of the equipmentsince the exhaust is directed up and away from the vehicle anddissipates safely in the surrounding atmosphere above pedestrians andonlookers. The blast door 158 is also equipped with an attachable skirt161 that is constructed out of strips of brightly colored fabricnormally hanging to the ground that acts as a potential hazard warningto pedestrians and onlookers.

FIGS. 29 and 29a show a tube axial blower 30 mounted on a hydraulic liftplatform 162 mounted inside a truck or tailer 159. When any of themobile filtrated air moving systems mentioned herein equipped with tubeaxial blowers 30 are operating inside a truck or trailer 159 thehydraulic platform 162 is raised so that the blower 30 can be connectedto a stationary ceiling vent 163 by means of an exhaust chute 165. Thispermits the exhaust to be safely directed out the top of the truck ortrailer 159 and safely dissipated in the surrounding atmosphere abovepedestrians and onlookers.

FIGS. 30a-c show a view of a plenum plate 79 which permits secure andconvenient access to an H.V.A.C. system for the purpose of attachingducting to a mobile filtrated air moving system. When in use, a hole 110(not shown) is cut into a duct 12 (not shown) or plenum 79 that matchesthe hole on the plenum plate 110 for access into the H.V.A.C. system. Anair tight seal is made by means of anchoring the plenum plate 120 by useof sheet-metal screws drilled through the pre-punched holes of the plate110, using velcro strapping looped through the side slots on the outsideflange which is secured around the duct or plenum 110 or commerciallyavailable adjustable extension poles screwed into the female swivels 165found on opposing corners of the plenum plate 79 and propped againstsome firm surface adjacent to the area. An airtight seal results as thecompression gasket on the reverse side of the plenum plate is compressedagainst the duct 12 or plenum. Ducting 12 is attached to the gasketedring 164 by means of a coupler.

FIGS. 31a-c show views of the exhaust plenum plate 79 which permitssecure and convenient access to an H.V.A.C. system for the purpose ofexhausting filtered air back into the H.V.A.C. system to create improvedair movement for cleaning purposes.

The attachment procedure of the exhaust plenum plate 79 is the same asdescribed for the plenum plate. The flanged ring that is attached to theexhaust plenum plate 79 has the flanged end projecting out. This permitssecure and easy attachment of an exhaust chute leading from one of thecentrifugal or tube axial blowers mention herein.

In FIGS. 32a-b, a plenum reducer 80 is shown which permits access intoan H.V.A.C. system where size of the available duct or plenum 79 of theH.V.A.C. system is smaller preventing use of the plenum plate 79. Theplenum reducer 88 is attached by means of sheet metal screws and/orstrapping to H.V.A.C. systems ducting 12 or plenum 79 after arectangular hole is cut matching the plenum reducer's back face. Anairtight seal is then made as the compression gasket is compressedagainst the duct 12 or plenum 79 to connect the plenum reducer 80 andthe mobile filtrated air moving system. The system is attached withcouplers to the gasketed rings of the plenum reducer and the breech viewdoor 19.

FIG. 33a and b are a view of the ducting T which permits evacuating airout of an H.V.A.C. system at two locations at once. Each of the threelegs 174 is gasketed so that couplers may be used to create an airtightseal to the ducting.

FIGS. 34-40B show views of connections of ovalized ducting to the plenumplate 79, plenum reducer 80, ovalized ducting 138 to ovalized ducting 28to the breech view door 19, connections made with tapered ducting,connection made with transitional ducting between modules. FIG. 1through FIG. 7 show views of connections using the ducting T 39. Theovalized ducting 138 pictured in a FIG. 34 shows an aluminum ring 175that is captured inside the end cuff of each end of the ducting length.A gasket is then fitted over the outside material of both end cuffs. Thesame configuration holds true for any of the transitional ducting andtapered ducting. Since all equipment modules, ducting ends andaccessories mentioned herein have gasketed rings and are sized to matchtheir respective hookup positions, sized couplers for each connectionare then attached and tightened accordingly to connect all elements ofthe system. The coupler is stainless steel and by means of an adjustablehandle T 39 can be loosened or tightened at will. When tightening acoupler to create a desired connection, the coupler captures the twoadjoining gasketed rings of the different elements being joined. As theT handle is tightened, the air tight connection is made by thecompression of the gaskets capturing the various internal rings whichprovide rigidity to allow for maximum tightness of the connection.

Ovalized ducting 138 contains three elements other than the abovementioned gasketed end cuffs. On either end there are circular sectionscorresponding size wise to the end rings. Then there are twotransitional sections on either end that convert the circular sectionsto one large middle ovalized section. The ovalized section is designeddimensionally to match the square inch cross section of the circularsection so as not to impede or restrict air flow. The ovalized ductingmakes radius bends in very tight areas unlike circular ducting as wellas having to transit through small building openings were thecorresponding circular section would have difficulty.

The tapered ducting shown in FIGS. 41a-e permits gradual focusing of airmovement from a large to a smaller ring without creating an increase instatic pressure due to an abrupt sized difference in ducting anequipment outlet and inlet rings.

The exhaust director 132 in FIG. 42a-d permits secure attachment ofexhaust chutes 133 and particulate arrestance bags 134 used in theherein mentioned systems. The exhaust director 132 is constructed sothat it has sufficient weight to direct height speed exhaust safely. Therings 173 are attached to the face plate with the flanged sidesprojecting out so that chutes and bags can be conveniently and securelyattached.

FIGS. 43a-b are views of the manifold protector 84 which was describedpreviously.

FIGS. 44a-c are views of the no scratch quick connect 90. The deviceuses commercially available brass swivel barbs 96 that permitcommercially available compressed air hoses (not shown) to be installedon either end. Since the device screws together to create theconnection, the swivel barbs will rotate freely so that the male andfemale connections of the device remain secure while work progresses.Once air hoses are connected to each barb, there are no surfaces of thedevice that can scratch flooring, woodwork, or furniture.

FIGS. 45a-c are views of the commercial air hose caddy 111 while FIG.46a-c are views of the residential air hose caddy 113. Also shown are anarray of the various air heads, male and female plastic quick connects,shut off valve lengths of five foot plastic tubing for inflating the airduct bladder, as well as lengths equipped with duct lights.

FIG. 47 shows an array of the various air heads 104 in an air duct 12with access holes 110 cut to allow for entry with commercially availableair guns 101. FIGS. 48a-d show views of the duct resonator 124 whichincludes louvers 125, driven by gears 172.

FIGS. 49a-b are views of the air duct bladder 120 as previouslydescribed. Additionally, this device is constructed out of Kevlar whichpermits reliable inflation of the bladder 120 inside any air ductregardless of protruding screw heads or other sharp corners or edgesthat are typically a hazard when attempting to inflate latex or rubberballoons for the same purpose. Also, a male quick connect is attached tothe bladder for convenient and sure inflation with an air line throughvalve 121. FIG. 50 shows the air duct bladder 120 being inflated insidean air duct.

FIG. 51a and b are views of the exchanger mattress 136. The sewnsections 171 contain pea gravel to weight the mattress sufficiently sothat air movement within the H.V.A.C. system does not move it whilecleaning is taking place.

In FIG. 52a-c, detail views of the vent vac cover 121, which seals offthe plenum openings 79, are shown. As mentioned previously, themagnetized surface 122 adheres to the metal plenum 79 to seal theopening.

FIGS. 53a-g show views of the duct illuminator which comprises aplurality of light emitting tubes 128 mounted about an air hose 102 incircumferential holder 129. The chemically reactive light tubes 128illuminate the interior of the duct work without any electricalrequirement or hazard. The tubes are bent or twisted, causing a chemicalreaction which emits light for approximately 6 to 8 hours. This permitsthe workers to visually monitor the duct cleaning operation by insertingan air hose with the illuminator mounted thereon.

Finally, FIG. 54a-c show the truck tire tap 131 which prevents the cartsfrom rolling out of position. The trap comprises a base and raisedportion which lock the wheels in position.

While the invention has been explained by a detailed description ofcertain specific embodiments, it is understood that variousmodifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within thescope of the appended claims which are intended also to includeequivalents of such embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning system for H.V.A.C. air ductscomprising:a tube axial blower having an inlet, said blower providing avacuum to draw air through the tube axial blower and through an air ductto which the tube axial blower is connected; drive means interconnectedwith the tube axial blower for driving the tube axial blower; filtermeans having a first end and a second end, the filter being coupled toan air duct at the first end and to the tube axial blower inlet at thesecond end to filter air drawn into the tube axial blower from the airduct; and portable means for mounting the blower and the filter meansthereon.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the tube axial blower includesa pressurized exhaust for increasing system efficiency.
 3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the tube axial blower operates on three-phase electricalpower and the drive means comprises means for converting single-phasepower to three-phase power to drive the tube axial blower.
 4. The systemof claim 1 wherein the portable means comprises cart means for receivingand supporting the tube axial blower and the filter means.
 5. The systemof claim 4 wherein the tube axial blower and the filter means havecasters thereon and can be used to facilitate movement of the tube axialblower and the filter means when the tube axial blower and the filtermeans are detached from the cart means.
 6. The system of claim 5 whereinthe filter means further comprises a filter bag and a transparent breechview door and the filter bag is viewed and accessed through thetransparent breech view door.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein theblower means operates on three-phase electrical power and the variablefrequency drive means further comprises means for convertingsingle-phase power to three-phase power to drive the blower means. 8.The system of claim 6 further comprising cart means for receiving andsupporting the blower means and the preliminary filter means.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the blower means and the preliminary filtermeans have casters thereon and can be used to facilitate movement of theblower means and the preliminary filter means when the blower means andthe preliminary filter means are detached from the cart means.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the preliminary filter means further comprisesa filter bag and a transparent breech view door, and the filter bag isviewed and accessed through the transparent breech view door.
 11. AnH.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprising:blower means having first andsecond ends for creating an air flow; variable frequency drive meansinterconnected with the blower means for driving of the blower means;preliminary filter means interconnected with the first end of the blowermeans for filtering the air flow; and duct connection means forconnecting the preliminary filter means to a H.V.A.C. duct.
 12. A systemfor cleaning air ducts comprising:blower means for creating an airflow;variable drive means for driving the blower; filter means interconnectedwith the blower means for filtering the air in the airflow; and ductmeans for connecting the filter means to an air duct.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the blower means comprises an impeller positionedwithin a housing and a power means for powering the impeller.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the power means for the blower means ispositioned within the housing.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein thepower means for the blower means is positioned exterior to the housing.16. The system of claim 13 wherein the impeller comprises a plurality ofblades which include turning vanes.
 17. The system of claim 13 whereinthe impeller comprises a plurality of blades that are adjustable toregulate and increase or decrease a volume of air moved and to resistvarious amounts of static resistance against air flow.
 18. The system ofclaim 13 wherein the variable drive means includes means for varying thespeed of the blower means, for soft-starting the blower means by rampingup power to the power means gradually on available low amperagecircuits.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the blower means operateson three-phase electrical power and the variable drive means comprisesmeans for converting single-phase power to three-phase power to drivethe blower means.
 20. The system of claim 13 further comprising modularcart means for the blower means, drive means and filter means fortransporting the blower means, drive means and filter means.